Hand Picked Hotels was founded in 2001 by owner, Chairman and CEO, Julia Hands MBE. Julia’s love of historical buildings, the English countryside, local food and good wine inspired her to own a collection of hotels that would celebrate these passions and invite others to share in them.
Today, the family‑owned group has 21 unique luxury country houses and coastal retreats, each hand‑picked for their individuality. Architecturally distinctive and quintessentially British, every hotel boasts an extraordinary location from Scotland to the Channel Islands, offering breathtaking views from the vast countryside to expansive beaches and lush woodlands.
Dedicated to creating unique and enchanting stays, curated personalised service runs through the heart of every hotel. Each property fulfils the company values of family, individuality, community and care, with a team committed to aim higher and delight guests with magical experiences that offer a true escape from everyday life.
About the Role
We are currently recruiting for a General Manager for Ettington Park Hotel, a stunning 4‑Red‑Star luxury hotel and award‑winning dining operation. You will be a key influencer and part of our journey as we focus on a transformation journey with an emphasis on driving our philosophy of service, excellence and consistency.
Responsibilities
* Fully accountable for exceeding guest expectations, delivering and exceeding financial goals and objectives, and managing the hotel team.
* Lead the hotel team to continually strengthen Hand Picked Hotels’ reputation for hospitality, with service, excellence and consistency front and centre.
* Own the hotel’s P&L, driving innovation, passion, heart and soul to inspire, motivate, coach and develop colleagues to reach their maximum potential.
* Inspire, motivate and develop the team to surpass guest expectations while identifying and delivering new revenue streams and engagement opportunities with the local community.
* Be the face of Hand Picked Hotels in the area, fostering a positive, healthy work environment, leading by example to promote the vision, purpose and values of the company and drive the overall philosophy of service, excellence and consistency.
* Drive implementation of central initiatives and represent the hotel’s needs to the central teams.
About You
* Current experience as a General Manager within a luxury hotel environment, with experience delivering and exceeding LQA or Forbes level service standards.
* Not a first‑appointment role; requires an experienced General Manager with rounded hotel operations, commercial acumen and a proven track record of delivering a consistent and exceptional guest journey.
* Solid commercial acumen, with the ability to drive sales, seek new revenue streams and partnerships to increase profitability.
* Experience in business planning, developing and implementing new initiatives to drive sales while delivering a bespoke high‑end guest experience.
* Proven track record in people management, coaching and development; an innovative leader who inspires others with passion and flair, creating a winning team mentality.
* Previous experience of project and capex management would be advantageous.
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of statutory obligations, including health and safety and compliance.
* Proficient in hotel software, OPERA, Excel and Office 365.
Benefits
* Excellent salary package, plus bonus discussed at interview stage.
* Company pension scheme with a generous employer contribution of 10% of base salary.
* Life assurance.
* Employee Assistance Program.
* Company sickness scheme benefit.
* 33 days paid holiday, including bank holidays.
* Forward career progression with access to in‑house and external training programmes, including apprenticeships and other recognised hospitality industry courses.
* Discounts on staff stays and up‑to‑50% off food and beverage.
* Annual loyalty awards (afternoon teas, overnight stays).
* Online retail discount platform offering thousands of savings with high‑street retailers and restaurants, plus a health and well‑being platform.
* Opportunity to build lifelong friendships and be part of a team that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
Seniority Level
Director
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Management
Industry
Hospitality
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